Name: Tim Reid
Occupation: Actor, director, producer
Nationality: American:
Tim Reid is among the famous individuals who devoted their lives to the film industry. Especially, he stands out for the documentary he produced in America, UK, Nigeria, Cuba, Ethiopia, among others.
In addition, he has been teaching the art of film making to those interested in imbibing knowledge needed to run the field well.
The Ethiopian Herald had a while with Tim Reid. Excerpts…
Herald:
What changes have you seen in Ethiopia?
Tim: A lot of changes have taken shape in Ethiopia. Difference is palpable not only in the way of governance, but also in the management of multifaceted aspects. During my first visit which was 24 years ago, the tallest building was only thirteen stories long. It was inspired by Emperor Haile Silassie. Now, skyscrapers have become ubiquitous. Though most people across the world may not have inklings, visible changes are palpable in the country.
It is the right time that the government and film makers should begin to tell their stories. Stories that talk loud about not only historical buildings but also culture practices of the people.
Herald: What drove you back to Ethiopia?
Tim: Well, I came back with Ethiopian filmmakers from America. I think their story is very compelling and we are here to do a documentary. Many African Diaspora’s left their country and came back. For them, when they left was when I was here for the first time. It is how they are impressed by the changes in the country. I hope this is going to be good for Ethiopian Diasporas and others.
Most seem oblivious about this country. The country has 110 million population size but the world has no idea about it.
Herald: How do you see the filmmaking practice in the country?
Tim: The filmmaking here is certainly growing. The gap will be bridged in the coming couple of years. That is infrastructure. Here, there are good filmmakers. They are taking classes based on technologies changing constantly. They have to be a tad more interested in international distribution of their products.
Now, the Ethiopian films are just made for Ethiopians. If you want to grow in the industry to the billion dollars, you have to open up your story telling. You have to make it in such a way that it is going to be acceptable by the international market. You have a great story to tell but you cannot just make it a monologue. You have to use subtitles to bring things to market. Once people see the incredible history and culture here, the unfolding will be awesome for the country.
I am trying to do one thing about American Youngsters who want to see Ethiopia. Emperor Haile Selassie was the first African to build airport to fight Italian Fascist. John Charles Robinson was the first black American pilot who served Imperial Ethiopian Air Force against Fascist Italy. This is one of the greatest stories we can tell American Youngers.
Herald: What should be done to promote Ethiopian films all over the world?
Tim: Stories have to be written in a way more appealing and interesting. Actually, it is happening. I just saw a movie entitled Running against the wind. It was selected as Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards.
Stories need not only be love stories and comedies, there has to be stories of war. I am still surprised and shocked to discover that no one has yet made great stories of wars. People say Second World War began in Europe but I tell people Second World War began in Ethiopia, before 1939. It was a world war between an European country and an African one. But they don’t tell that story in Europe because they lost in that one.
Herald: What do you advise to Ethiopian filmmakers who seem lax in using history and culture as opportunity?
Tim: When I did master class two years ago here I told them to work together. Filmmaking is a very difficult business. It is a blood spot. Even if one has the money it is very difficult to tell the stories to make a film story well. What makes the work best is to work together. Individuals cannot make a best film. If you want an industry, we need to create a team with the people who are trained and passionate not for the money but for the sake of building an infrastructure and industry. You need to get more environments to distribute your products. I used to bring such people, while I was doing my master class.
There was a real story like Ethiopian soldiers who fought in Korea. And also there was a love story between Ethiopian men and Korean women. Try to tell the world your great stories. If not, You tube and Amazon will take advantage of them. I knew more about your history from BBC than I heard from you. Why is BBC telling your story? They do this only to make money and control the continent. It wouldn’t be your story but their interpretation of your story. You need to tell your stories.
Herald: What is your plan down the road in Ethiopian Filmmaking?
Tim: I think we need to work together. People like me. A young man I work with try to show his works. The first African to win award in documentary is a young man from Nigeria. I put some of my philosophy in his head and he used them to win a major award in virtual reality technology filmmaking. He will come with me and we will train interested Ethiopian filmmakers in the technology.
Most filmmakers I have seen and
worked with are open for that. We can take the government aboard. People could
come together and begin to work together. I guarantee that within two years,
this would
be a billion dollar industry and we will employee a lot of people. Not only in acting and shooting but also in cluttering, drawing, designing, makeup, among others.
In addition, it will help the economy. It is aclean and fast money. For example, Atlanta Georgia is impacting in filmmaking. They get more than five billion dollars. There is no reason why that Addis wouldn’t be like that of Atlanta. Wake up and work together.
Herald: What should be done to let Ethiopian film grow?
Tim: You have to begin to put infrastructure and universities. Universities do not have film school and that can be done. American universities need international collaboration and we can bring expertise and train Ethiopians. It is the second black population in the world. We can use the opportunity for the better. Here, you do have great musicians. Let them write lyrics for music for movies.
We hope to open art school in the country. We will hope to work with the community and government. It does not take a lot of time and money to make it happen. It just takes passion and commitment to make it
happen and it has to be done. If you do not do it, people who come here will do it for you and you will work for them.
Herald: How did you assess Ethiopian movies as compared to the western ones?
Tim: Ethiopians do not make movies in such a way it fits for the western consumption. They do it for themselves because they don’t support the movies with subtitles. You have to subtitle your movies. Nowadays, you can write subtitle in different languages.
The writers, producers, directors should think of the quality of the works and focus on the stories in the country. There are great stories to be told. Filmmakers worldwide are looking for great stories and there are some great stories here. Here, you do have the Ark of the Covenant, people are talking the place in Black Panther, and it is here called Ethiopia. Kinds in America are saying we wish to see Wakanda but it is in the future. Tell them that it is in Ethiopia.
Ethiopian actors are the best actors in the continent. Ethiopians are light and colorful people. As I saw them. The actors are the best in the continent. But as a quality works you have to improve your sound, lighting, composition, and music. You have to make a music fit to the international story all that has to done. Two people one from Germany and America wants to build a studio. They are not of African descent. Most of the money will go to the organization in their country. So, why don’t you build your own studio? I built my own studio way back before Taylor Perry. It needs your commitment and togetherness.
I see great potential in the country. Every year when I come here I tell everyone to wake up. The first year I came here twenty some years ago, I read the first black royalty Queen of Sheba. I became interested. All kids all over the world want to know the history of this country. Ethiopia could lead all African. Nowadays, I am hearing ethnic clashing instigated along religious lines. Come on! What has Africa to do with such a thing? Especially, the history in South Africa that Africans do not want Africans is really bad. I hope Ethiopia has a great future.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition 12 January 2020
BY AMBO MEKASA
